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Twist & Shout: Music of the Beatles

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Twist & Shout: Music of the Beatles

February 3-5, 2023

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Pretty Woman The Musical

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Pretty Woman The Musical

February 7 - 12, 2023
Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

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J'Nai Bridges

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Kimball Art Museum

 

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A Gala Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

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A Gala Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

February 25, 2023

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Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown

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Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown

March 3-5, 2023

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Wild Symphony

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Wild Symphony

March 4, 2023

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Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky: Mahler and Tchaikovsky

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky: Mahler and Tchaikovsky

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Modern Masterpieces

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Modern Masterpieces

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Our Planet Live In Concert

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Ben Grosvenor

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Benjamin Grosvenor

March 23, 2023

 

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Jake Fridkis in Concert: Schumann, Reinecke, and Liszt

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Jake Fridkis in Concert: Schumann, Reinecke, and Liszt

March 24-26, 2023

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Annie

Performing Arts Fort Worth
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Annie

March 28 - April 2, 2023
Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

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Alim Beisembayev

The Cliburn
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Alim Beisembayev

April 13, 2023

 

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Lewis Black: Off The Rails

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Lewis Black: Off The Rails

April 15, 2023
Popular Entertainment Series

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A Night at the Ballet: Brian Raphael Nabors, Humperdinck, Griffes, Ravel, and Stravinsky

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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A Night at the Ballet: Brian Raphael Nabors, Humperdinck, Griffes, Ravel, and Stravinsky

April 21-23, 2023

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Joshua Roman

The Cliburn
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Joshua Roman

April 27, 2022

 

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Pink Martini

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Pink Martini

April 28-30, 2023

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UNT One O'clock Lab Band

Performing Arts Fort Worth
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UNT One O'clock Lab Band

May 5, 2023
Popular Entertainment Series

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Elgar's Enigma Variations: Strauss, Saint-Saens, and Elgar

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Elgar's Enigma Variations: Strauss, Saint-Saens, and Elgar

May 5-7, 2023

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Haydn: The Creation

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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Haydn: The Creation

May 19-21, 2023

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Alice in Wonderland

Texas Ballet Theater
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Alice in Wonderland

May 26-28, 2023

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An Evening of Kodaly, Mozart, and Brahms

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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An Evening of Koday, Mozart, and Brahms

June 2, 2023

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Hadestown

Performing Arts Fort Worth
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Hadestown

June 17 - July 2, 2023
Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

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The Book of Mormon

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Book of Mormon

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  • Upcoming Events

    Twist & Shout: Music of the Beatles

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Twist & Shout: Music of the Beatles

    February 3-5, 2023

    Learn More
    Pretty Woman The Musical

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Pretty Woman The Musical

    February 7 - 12, 2023
    Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

    Learn More
    J'Nai Bridges

    The Cliburn
    Presents

    J'Nai Bridges

    February 9, 2023
    Kimball Art Museum

     

    Learn More
    A Gala Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    A Gala Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

    February 25, 2023

    Learn More
    Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown

    March 3-5, 2023

    Learn More
    Wild Symphony

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Wild Symphony

    March 4, 2023

    Learn More
    Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky: Mahler and Tchaikovsky

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky: Mahler and Tchaikovsky

    March 10-12, 2023

    Learn More
    Modern Masterpieces

    Texas Ballet Theater
    Presents

    Modern Masterpieces

    March 17 -19, 2023

    Learn More
    Our Planet Live In Concert

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Our Planet Live

    March 21, 2023
    Popular Entertainment Series

    Learn More
    Ben Grosvenor

    The Cliburn
    Presents

    Benjamin Grosvenor

    March 23, 2023

     

    Learn More
    Jake Fridkis in Concert: Schumann, Reinecke, and Liszt

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Jake Fridkis in Concert: Schumann, Reinecke, and Liszt

    March 24-26, 2023

    Learn More
    Annie

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Annie

    March 28 - April 2, 2023
    Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

    Learn More
    Alim Beisembayev

    The Cliburn
    Presents

    Alim Beisembayev

    April 13, 2023

     

    Learn More
    Lewis Black: Off The Rails

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Lewis Black: Off The Rails

    April 15, 2023
    Popular Entertainment Series

    Learn More
    A Night at the Ballet: Brian Raphael Nabors, Humperdinck, Griffes, Ravel, and Stravinsky

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    A Night at the Ballet: Brian Raphael Nabors, Humperdinck, Griffes, Ravel, and Stravinsky

    April 21-23, 2023

    Learn More
    Joshua Roman

    The Cliburn
    Presents

    Joshua Roman

    April 27, 2022

     

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    Pink Martini

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Pink Martini

    April 28-30, 2023

    Learn More
    UNT One O'clock Lab Band

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    UNT One O'clock Lab Band

    May 5, 2023
    Popular Entertainment Series

    Learn More
    Elgar's Enigma Variations: Strauss, Saint-Saens, and Elgar

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Elgar's Enigma Variations: Strauss, Saint-Saens, and Elgar

    May 5-7, 2023

    Learn More
    Haydn: The Creation

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    Haydn: The Creation

    May 19-21, 2023

    Learn More
    Alice in Wonderland

    Texas Ballet Theater
    Presents

    Alice in Wonderland

    May 26-28, 2023

    Learn More
    An Evening of Kodaly, Mozart, and Brahms

    Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
    Presents

    An Evening of Koday, Mozart, and Brahms

    June 2, 2023

    Learn More
    Hadestown

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Hadestown

    June 17 - July 2, 2023
    Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank

    Learn More
    The Book of Mormon

    Performing Arts Fort Worth
    Presents

    Book of Mormon

    July 28 -30, 2023
    Broadway Specials Series

    Learn More
    View Full Calendar
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About / History

Bass Performance Hall

Bass Performance Hall

History

Following the Fifth Quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, it was recognized that existing performing arts venues in Fort Worth had severe acoustical and logistical deficiencies. In an effort to correct this situation, a study was conducted for updating the city-owned Will Rogers Memorial Center Auditorium. It was discovered that renovation was neither practical nor suitable, and plans were shelved.

In the early 1980's the feasibility of building a performing arts complex in downtown Fort Worth was studied. This research produced useful information, but the program and construction costs envisioned at that time were judged to exceed available resources and, it too was put aside.

In 1989-90, a Cultural District Committee was formed with broad community representation to explore the adaptation or replacement of the Will Rogers Memorial Center Auditorium for a performance hall. An excellent plan was developed for a new hall incorporating the historic Auditorium façade. A complete architectural program was formulated, and an outstanding team of consultants was engaged through this effort. Unfortunately, due to a severe local economic downturn, voters did not approve the city bond issue that was to provide the public portion of the funding for this project. Nonetheless, recognition of the urgent need for a hall and support for a project of some configuration remained strong. 

The Cultural District Committee’s consensus-building among major performing arts groups and major elements of the community, as well as the selection of a highly qualified and experienced consulting team and excellent preliminary design work, would have become stale and of no benefit except for Mr. Edward P. Bass’ interest in determining the feasibility of applying this critical work to a downtown performance hall site. 

In 1992, a feasibility study was successfully accomplished resulting in the formation of Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc., the nonprofit organization formed to fund, design and operate a world class, 2,056 seat, multi-purpose hall. It was determined the Hall’s mission was to serve as a permanent home to the city’s major performing arts organizations and as a premiere venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region.

In March 1993, a $60 million Capital Campaign, under the leadership of Bayard H. Friedman, began. Two years later, the General Campaign was launched and in April 1995, ground for the exciting new performance venue was broken. In June 1996, a $50,000 grant from the Junior League of Fort Worth was received to create the Children’s Education Program for Fort Worth public and private schools.

The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall opened on the corner of Fourth and Calhoun streets in May 1998, with a six-week Grand Opening Festival featuring the resident companies:  the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Ballet Theater, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and the Fort Worth Opera. The first performance of the Hall’s Children’s Education Program took place in September 1998. 

Two years later, in April 2000, PAFW announced the “Operations Final Stages” Campaign, which was to raise $5.8 million for the completion of the Hall’s rehearsal and multi-use facilities. In May 2001, the Maddox-Muse Center, housing the Van Cliburn Recital Hall and McDavid Studio, was finished in time for full use of the Eleventh Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. In May 2008, Bass Performance Hall celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Today the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall and Maddox-Muse Center host more than 300 performances annually, often with multiple performances in a day. The facilities are also preferred venues for dozens of corporate meetings, wedding receptions and parties each year. Our resident companies provide symphony, pops, ballet, opera and other classical performances for our community. Performing Arts Fort Worth also serves as a presenter in the facilities providing Broadway, popular entertainment, family, special attractions and Off-Broadway. In addition, more than 70,000 area school children see a performance each year as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Children’s Education Program at Bass Performance Hall.

Resident Companies

In addition to the performances presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth, Bass Performance Hall is the permanent home to many of Fort Worth’s outstanding performing arts organizations. Our resident companies include:

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Texas Ballet Theater
Fort Worth Opera
The Cliburn

Performing Arts Fort Worth

One of Fort Worth’s premier not-for-profit arts organizations, Performing Arts Fort Worth is dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to Bass Performance Hall, including award-winning Touring Broadway shows, stellar musical performances, hilarious comedy acts and family-friendly productions.

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owned and operated by Performing Arts Fort Worth, A NOT-FOR-PROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Nancy Lee and Perry R Bass Performance Hall is to serve as a permanent home to major performing arts organizations of Fort Worth and as a premier venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region.

Administrative Office

Maddox-Muse Center

330 East 4th Street, Suite 300

Fort Worth, Texas 76102 

817-212-4300

 

Contact Us

BOX OFFICE

Bass Performance Hall

525 Commerce Street

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sat 10:00am-4:00pm 

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817-212-4280


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817-212-4450

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Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization